DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXIX, Issue 11, 14 March 1901, Page 6

DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH.

(From our own correspondent.) March 11. Sir Wef-iby U. Fercievai is at present in Christchurch. After Staying here some sb.r>rt time he goes to Dunedin, spending several months, it is said, in New Zealand before returning to England. The Rev. Father Cooney was, on Sunday, inducted to the charge of the Lyttelton parish by his Lordship the Right Rev. Dr. Grimes. Mass was celebrated by Father Cooney and the Bishop preached to a crowded congregation. In the presence of a large gathering at the Catholic school' Ashburton, on Tuesday evening last the Rev. Father Crotty, who is leaving the district, was presented with an address and a purse of sovereigns. The address, which was read by Mr. L. Hanrahan, was printed in gold on green satin. This, with the purse of sovereigns, was handed over by Mr. F. Cooper, the chairman of the meeting. The Old Boys' Association of the Marist Brothers' School met for a social evening on Monday last in their club rooms, about 100 being present. Ainontf the guests were the Rev. Fathers Galerne and McDonnell, and Brother Arthur. Father Galerne contributed several songs, which were much appreciated, whilst the members of the society, who were attired in the most grotesque style possible, in keeping with the nature of the entertainment, a 'Hard-up Social,' gave items which did not fail to interest and amuse the company.

The follow ing are the names of the successful candidates from the Convent of Mercy, Colombo street, who passed the Trinity College examination held here last November : — Senior division — Mary C. Cremin (singing), 67 ; Margaret Zita Flynn (pianoforte), 75. Junior division — Lizzie Joyce (pianoforte), 72 ; Hilda Flynn (violin), 70. Preparatory division — Nesnie Bower (pianoforte), 72 ; Nellie Turner (pianoforte), 67. Every effort it* being made to ensure the success of St. Patrick's day celebration. A first class concert programme is being arranged, and the services of Miss Rose Blaney, who has been specially engaged to come from Dunedin, together with all the leading vocalists of Christchurch have been secured. Tt, is fnnfidenMy anticipated that the spacious concert hall of the Exhibition Buildings will be thronged on the occasion. It is pleamng to note that year by year a higher tone is aimed at in these gatherings, which do so much to cement the good feeling existing among the people of Ireland when it is a question of celebrating the annual festival of her patron saint. The Christchurch Catholic Club held their usual weekly meeting on Tuesday evening. Mr. E. O'Connor, vice-president, was in the chair, and there was a large attendance. Four new members were balloted for and elected, and the nomination of several others was received. The evening was principally occupied in the discussion of matters regarding the future operations of the Club. A great deal of practical interest was Bhown by those present, this proving that the Association is possessed of the right element to ensure permanent good results. Negotiations are in progress for the acquipition of suitable rooms, a billiard table, and all things needful for carrying on the Club.